California Valves are earthquake sensitive gas shut-off valves. They are
intended to close in the event of an earthquake to prevent gas flow into a
structure where earthquake damage may have occurred. The valve reduces the
potential for fire or explosion due to the release of natural gas into
a structure where gas lines, gas fixtures, or gas appliances.

California Valves
do not use any source of internal or external electrical power. They are
designed to remain closed until manually reset. The valves are intended to
be mounted in the gas line upstream or downstream of the gas-line pressure
regulator and gas meter outside the structure. These valves do not replace
the manual upstream shut-off valves provided in the gas service line.

The
valve consists of a swing check valve arrangement with an
acceleration-sensitive triggering mechanism. The trip mechanism consists of
a steel ball resting on a tapered cup-shaped support. The horizontal motion
of an earthquake causes the ball to move from the center of the support.
This allows the balls mass to act upon the movable pipe of the trip
mechanism, activating the valve and initiating closure. Springs assist the
valve- flapper to close and gas pressure assists in holding the valve disc
in the closed position. The trip mechanism is factory set and sealed. A
sight glass is provided so that the Open or Closed indicator can be seen,
and the trip mechanism status of the valve can be easily determined.